An Introduction to Flexible Pavements

This publication will introduce you to the materials and methods used to construct flexible pavements for streets, highways, parking lots, and open storage areas. Flexible pavements are constructed using bituminous (asphalt or tar) concrete. The pavement’s principal components are the subgrade, select materials for a subbase course, the base course, and the bituminous concrete pavement. This publication will introduce you to the important characteristics of these components, and a design methodology that will guide you in selection of appropriate material specifications and course thicknesses.